A GROUND-BREAKING DAY FOR CHIVAS BROTHERS

Around 50 Chivas Brothers employees were joined by guest of honour and Dumbarton MSP, Jackie Baillie, and representatives of West Dunbartonshire Council at a celebratory event to mark the start of construction on the new world-class bottling hall. The project will greatly enhance the business’ capabilities and bring outstanding performance in quality, safety and efficiency.

Laurent Lacassagne, Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers, kicked off the ceremony by thanking all those involved for their dedication to the ambitious £50m project, and pledging the company’s commitment to a long and successful future in Dunbartonshire. Marking the milestone together, all attendees were invited to take up a spade and break the ground at the same time.

Commenting on the occasion Laurent Lacassagne, Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers, said: “It’s thanks to the hard work of all our team members here in Scotland that we’re in a position to make this investment, so everyone should be proud of what today represents. Breaking the ground is a very exciting and pivotal moment in our plans. It represents a major step change for our business as we continue to strive for operational excellence and strengthen our iconic Scotch whisky portfolio.

“It was fantastic to share this special occasion with colleagues, friends and partners because the new state-of-the-art bottling hall will bring opportunities for all of us. Not only will it bring economic benefits to Scotland, but also to the local Dunbartonshire community where we are proud to have built a rich 80-year legacy.”

Katie Murray, who works as a Kilmalid, is among the youngest team members there and started working for Chivas Brothers as an engineering apprentice in 2013. She said: “It’s great to see work starting on the new bottling hall. From what we’ve seen it’s going to be a great new workspace that will enable us to do our jobs even better. It’s an exciting time for our business and for all of us in manufacturing as we look to the future.”

Jackie Baillie MSP was taken on a behind-the-scenes tour of the site and met with employees to find out how the investment will help modernise manufacturing. Having watched the development of the project closely, Baillie praised Chivas Brothers’ investment and commitment to the future of the region.

She added: “Chivas Brothers’ investment is a huge boost for Dunbartonshire and will secure and create jobs over the long-term. The people of Dumbarton are very proud of the town’s great whisky heritage and I’m delighted to be able to mark this very special milestone with Chivas Brothers. I’ve watched the development of the project closely and look forward to watching the bottling hall start to take shape.”